Safale 04 and 05 yeast starter?

[Rmerrill]

I am new to using dry yeast. I used the 05 for. 5% ABV beer. My question is in general, for a bigger 7+% ABV will one packet work or can I do a type of yeast starter (if so, how do I do that with dry yeast) or do I just need to use two packets?

Thanks!

 

[Nateo]

2 packets is best. The yeast maker worked really hard to make sure the yeast has the reserves to start fermentation straight-away, so making a starter is actually detrimental when using dry yeast.

 

[torque2k]

Personally I would simply use two packets. The price of DME, plus the hassle factor, makes buying a second packet a no-brainer. 7% is right about the spot where I would look at pitching that second packet. A 6.5% will still finish out nicely with one.

 

[bnilguy]

I've had no problems pitching 1 packet of 05 straight from the package into my IPAs Tears through them in less than 5 days

 

[ksbrain]

7% is on the edge but 1 pack territory for me. I think 8% is about where I'd go for two. But for $3 extra the 2nd pack won't hurt.